GSN Review: Bourbon Barreled Big Gin

After a combined 25 years in the bar & restaurant industry, husband/wife team Holly Robinson & Ben Capdevielle set out to distill a line of gin designed for people who enjoy the taste of juniper. Distiller owned & family operated Captive Spirits has made a name for itself as a leading gin company, both nationally and internationally recognized, consistently being ranked in top honors by both peers & gin lovers, alike. Big Gin & it’s Bourbon Barreled counterpart have become back-bar staples, across the US & beyond. Creating a legacy by making quality & consistent spirits for gin lovers is what Captive Spirits Distilling is all about.

Bourbon Barreled Big Gin (94 proof)Visual: Ultra pale gold.Nose: Dark and spicy juniper with a ceiling of fresh lemon oil. Refreshing, engaging and mouth-watering.Taste: Chewy and unusual with a body that carries a lot of subtlety. The botanicals are held in check somewhat by the woody and slightly nutty quality of the bourbon barrel aging. I’m reminded of old school gins from the 1800’s that have a more “crafty” flavor and yet still retain true to form.Finish: Fairly long with some of the citrus peeking out towards the end and a lush creaminess that is akin to lemon creme pie.Overall: A unique gin that will work in just about any capacity. It holds its own readily and still plays well with others in a gin forward cocktail or punch. Great stuff!GSN Rating: A-

Blair Frodelius is a professional full-time musician, an award-winning mixologist, USBG Spirits Professional, BarSmarts Live & Wired graduate. Several of his original cocktails can be found in the 75th Anniversary Mr. Boston Official Bartenders Guide, and one inspired by Harry Craddock in the Mixellany publication The Deans of Drink.

Blair Frodelius is a professional full-time musician, an award-winning mixologist, USBG Spirits Professional, BarSmarts Live graduate and member of the Museum of the American Cocktail. Many of his original cocktails can be found in the 75th Anniversary Mr. Boston Official Bartenders Guide.